Haslett under gag order

papz · 02-03-2005, 12:27 PM

No joke: Haslett under gag order
Thursday, February 03, 2005
BY KIMBERLY JONES
Star-Ledger Staff
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A strange off-season is under way in New Orleans, where owner Tom Benson has decreed that the organization will speak with one voice until training camp opens. The voice? That of GM Mickey Loomis. So, where does that leave coach Jim Haslett? Mum, apparently. Look for the policy to change, or at least loosen, at some point. But, for now, the usually colorful Haslett has been muzzled. He'll be requested for media interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine in three weeks. We'll see if the gag order remains. ...

Redskins CB Fred Smoot appears likely to hit the open market March 2 as a free agent. Smoot's agent is continuing talks with the Redskins but has turned down a $10 million signing bonus. He wants $14 million up front and, as probably the best corner available, he just might get it. ... Meanwhile, Washington is trying to unload WR Rod Gardner for a second-round pick. The Buccaneers, who have 11 draft picks, would be a willing trade partner if the price comes down a couple of rounds. ...

Contrary to last week's Senior Bowl sentiment that QB Kurt Warner will wind up in Chicago, there comes a dissenting opinion this week. Seems coach Lovie Smith might be all-too-aware of Warner's current limitations, having seen them up close with the Rams before both men left St. Louis. The feeling is that if Smith were ever going to bring Warner to the Bears, he would have done it a year ago.

02-03-2005, 12:27 PM	#1
papz Problem? Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Orleans Posts: 11,768	Haslett under gag order No joke: Haslett under gag order Thursday, February 03, 2005 BY KIMBERLY JONES Star-Ledger Staff JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- A strange off-season is under way in New Orleans, where owner Tom Benson has decreed that the organization will speak with one voice until training camp opens. The voice? That of GM Mickey Loomis. So, where does that leave coach Jim Haslett? Mum, apparently. Look for the policy to change, or at least loosen, at some point. But, for now, the usually colorful Haslett has been muzzled. He'll be requested for media interviews at the NFL Scouting Combine in three weeks. We'll see if the gag order remains. ... Redskins CB Fred Smoot appears likely to hit the open market March 2 as a free agent. Smoot's agent is continuing talks with the Redskins but has turned down a $10 million signing bonus. He wants $14 million up front and, as probably the best corner available, he just might get it. ... Meanwhile, Washington is trying to unload WR Rod Gardner for a second-round pick. The Buccaneers, who have 11 draft picks, would be a willing trade partner if the price comes down a couple of rounds. ... Contrary to last week's Senior Bowl sentiment that QB Kurt Warner will wind up in Chicago, there comes a dissenting opinion this week. Seems coach Lovie Smith might be all-too-aware of Warner's current limitations, having seen them up close with the Rams before both men left St. Louis. The feeling is that if Smith were ever going to bring Warner to the Bears, he would have done it a year ago.